World Cup Semi-Finals: Team of the Week

Love Rugby League have selected their team of the week from the semi-finals of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

GARETH WIDDOP (ENGLAND)

The 28-year-old won the Dally M Half-Back of the Year medal last season due to his impressive performances in the NRL. He proved why he is regarded as one of the best players in the world against Tonga on Saturday. If Widdop has a good game this Saturday, then there is every chance England can win the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final.

JERMAINE MCGILLVARY (ENGLAND)

The 29-year-old has been a mega success story of this World Cup. Everyone knew he was a great winger but not many knew he was as good as this. He has been sensational for the Three Lions and he does the hard work by taking carries in as well as scoring tries.

JOSH DUGAN (AUSTRALIA)

Dugan is a star in the NRL and has signed for Cronulla Sharks for next season. He is a fantastic centre and full-back and has been in fine form this tournament. The New South Wales star causes a lot of problems out wide for defences and is a solid tackler.

JOHN BATEMAN (ENGLAND)

The 24-year-old has copped a hell of a lot of stick in the tournament. He put in a brilliant performance against Tonga though and even got over for a try. He might be a back-rower playing at centre but he hasn’t done much wrong in the tournament. Bateman was fantastic in defence against Tonga.

VALENTINE HOLMES (AUSTRALIA)

Does anything need to be said about the Cronulla Sharks star? He has been outstanding for the Kangaroos in the World Cup. He scored five tries against Samoa last week but went one better against Fiji, going over six times. He has 11 tries in his last two games.

MICHAEL MORGAN (AUSTRALIA)

The 25-year-old has been quality for the Kangaroos in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. His combination with Cooper Cronk in the halves works like clockwork and his organisational skills against Fiji were very good. He created a lot of opportunities for his side.

TUI LOLOHEA (TONGA)

A lot of people have talked about how impressive Tonga’s forward pack has been in the World Cup not not many have talked about the promising halves in Tui Lolohea and Ata Hingano. Lolohea, 22, caused England problems and has a lethal step.

ANDREW FIFITA (TONGA)

The 28-year-old is regarded as one of the best props in the world and he has represented Tonga in brilliant fashion in the tournament. He mixed things up with England’s huge pack and very nearly snatched the win for the Mate Ma’a in the final seconds of the semi-final.

CAMERON SMITH (AUSTRALIA)

The 34-year-old is one of the most well decorated players in Rugby League history and he is leads Australia excellently. He has made over 350 appearances for Melbourne Storm in the NRL and you can tell he has a lot of experience by the way he plays. He is great in defence but he runs Australia’s attack alongside Cronk and Morgan.

JAMES GRAHAM (ENGLAND)

The new St George Illawarra Dragons signing has been, arguably, England’s best forward at the World Cup. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and really would put his body on the line for his side. He was great against Tonga, he did big minutes and was everywhere.

VILIAME KIKAU (FIJI)

The 22-year-old has attracted attention at the World Cup. Not many people knew who he was before but they have been blown away by his performances. He is 6ft 5in and 120kg. He was Fiji’s stand-out player against Australia and has a very bright future.

ELLIOTT WHITEHEAD (ENGLAND)

The 28-year-old’s work rate is phenomenal. He runs a very good line going forward but what is most striking about Whitehead is his work ethic in defence. The Canberra Raiders star gets through 40 tackles or more each game. You would certainly want him in your team.

JASON TAUMALOLO (TONGA)

What else can be said about Taumalolo? The King of Tonga was at the semi-final on Saturday, watching the King of the NRL. The 24-year-old is a superstar. His performances for the Mate Ma’a at the World Cup has made him well-loved in Tonga. He was great against England, with it taking a couple of players in the tackle to bring him down.

Do you agree with our team of the week? Or should someone else be included? Let us know in the comments below.